Boyd Rankin backed by former England captain Michael Vaughan to book spot for Ashes series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan expects former Ireland international Boyd Rankin to be selected for England in this winter's Ashes.

England are due to name their touring party for the tour early next week with Rankin the player that has bolted into contention over the past month.

The 29-year-old Derryman, uncapped at Test level, troubled Australia's batsmen during the NatWest series defeat and has seemingly been groomed for an Ashes place.

Rankin was called up for England's three-day warm-up match against Essex on the eve of this summer's 3-0 Ashes success and subsequently made his Twenty20 and one-day international debuts in English colours.

Indeed, his ODI debut for England came against Ireland where he took four wickets for 46 in England’s recent victory at Malahide.

Nine wickets at an average of 16.88 in the 50-over format since has underlined why England's selectors have shown faith in a player who does have the international experience of 37 ODIs before switching allegiances from Ireland.

"I have been immensely impressed with Boyd Rankin," said Vaughan.

"I think he will be pushing for a place in the Ashes squad, maybe ahead of Chris Tremlett.